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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2026/02/09 APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 9, 2026 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Clark, Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, February 9, 2026, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, February 9, 2026, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Clark asked to remove the January 26, 2026 City Council minutes from Item 5A noting she had a minor change to the minutes. A. Approval of Minutes: January 26, 2026 and February 2, 2026. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10207, Approving the 2026 Chairperson for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. D. Resolution 10206, Approving Budget Carryovers from 2025 to 2026. E. Resolution 10210, Authorize 2026 Public Works Seasonal Positions. F. Resolution 10211, Authorize Recruitment Process for 2026 Parks and Recreation Seasonal Positions and Approve Job Descriptions for Rec on the Go Coordinator and Assistant Camp Coordinator Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 2 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing the January 26, 2026 City Council minutes. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Council Member Clark requested a change to the minutes on Page 3, Line 29 noting this statement was made by Council Member Smith and not herself. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Approve the January 26, 2026 City Council minute as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 10180, Appreciation and Award Presentation to Cindy Palm for her service on the Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Mayor Lindstrom read a Resolution of Appreciation in full for the record and thanked Cindy Palm for her dedicated service to the City of Mounds View on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Cindy Palm thanked the City Council for this recognition, noting she has enjoyed her service on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Adopt Resolution 10180, Appreciation and Award Presentation to Cindy Palm for her service on the Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Council Member Smith thanked Ms. Palm for her dedicated service to the City. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Ms. Palm for being willing to take on extra duties on subcommittees and task forces when the need arose. He stated he appreciated the fact Ms. Palm took minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission as well. Council Member Clark thanked Ms. Palm for her inspiring service to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Gunn thanked Ms. Palm for being the rock of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. She encouraged Ms. Palm to stay connected to the City. Mayor Lindstrom asked what got Ms. Palm connected with the City. Ms. Palm reported she was interested in seeing improvements at Greenfield Park. Mayor Lindstrom encouraged any resident with an idea for the City to come forward and consider serving on a City Commission. He asked if there were members of the public that would like to speak at this time. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 3 Gerald Arel noted he joined the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission in 2007. He explained he greatly appreciated serving with Cindy Palm and wished her all the best in the future. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, asked the City to consider what kind of ordinances to put in place to address immigration enforcement. She wanted to see immigration officers required to have body cameras and that they not wear a mask. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, reported she moved into the City in July of 1979. She asked that the City not mess with golf carts in the City. She noted there has not been an incident with a golf cart anywhere in the City since 1979. She feared that the City would be bordering on discrimination if only allowing handi-cap people were allowed to apply for a golf cart. She discussed the huge black eye the State of Minnesota has right now due to theft and fraud. She commented on how the City was providing tax dollars to a nonprofit entity not in Mounds View in order to provide food to residents in the community. It was her hope this program had proper accounting in 2025 and an excellent reason for expanding the contributions in 2026, even though food benefits had been restored by the federal government, the State of Minnesota and Ramsey County. She wanted to ensure the City could pay for overtime for its police officers and to have the streets properly plowed after a snow event. She discussed how valuable of a resource Police Chief Zender was to the community and asked that the City Council not pass legislation that could not be enforced by the police department. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10209, Approving a Class A Restaurant License and On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for El Novillo Alegre LLC, 2535 Mounds View Boulevard (Mounds View Square Shopping Center). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve a Class A Restaurant License and On- Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for El Novillo Alegre LLC, 2535 Mounds View Boulevard (Mounds View Square Shopping Center). He reported the applicant has met all the City’s requirements and staff was recommended approval of the request. Rosa Corona, El Novillo Alegre representative, thanked the City Council for considering her liquor license request. She explained she purchased this business from Dos Hermanos. She anticipated she would be opening as soon as the City approved the liquor license. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:28 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:28 p.m. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 4 MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10209, Approving a Class A Restaurant License and On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for El Novillo Alegre LLC, 2535 Mounds View Boulevard (Mounds View Square Shopping Center). Council Member Meehlhause wished Ms. Corona all the best in her venture. Council Member Clark indicated she was happy to see a local resident opening and running this business in Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 10208, Delegating Administration of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Funds to the Mounds View Economic Development Authority (EDA). Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council approve delegating the administration of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funds to the Mounds View EDA. He explained the City contracts with the Center for Energy and Environment for loan programs and staff recommended adding the LAHA program to this. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10208, Delegating Administration of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Funds to the Mounds View Economic Development Authority (EDA). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1050 Amending the City of Mounds View Charter by Revising Language Related to Vacancies in Elected Office (original first reading took place on 11/24/2025 but had to be reapproved due to a timing error). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council hold the First Reading for an Ordinance that would amend the City of Mounds View Charter by revising language related to vacancies in elected office. He requested the Ordinance be amended to read the public hearing was held on February 9, 2026. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Adopt Ordinance 1050 Amending the City of Mounds View Charter by Revising Language Related to Vacancies in Elected Office as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10205, Approving Transfers between Funds for 2025. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 Finance Director Bauman requested the Council approve transfers between funds for 2025. She noted this was an annual task for the City. She provided further information on the proposed transfers and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10205, Approving Transfers between Funds for 2025. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Clark reported she attended the Mounds View Police Foundation meeting last week where the group recapped the Daddy Daughter Dance. She noted the group would be holding a Daddy Daughter Dance again in 2027. She encouraged the public to participate in the police foundations upcoming bake sale which will be held at the Project Ardan Yard and Garden Expo on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Council Member Clark noted she attended a League of Minnesota Cities Elected Leaders Elevated Training on Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7. Council Member Clark explained that the City hosted another food distribution event at the Community Center on Sunday, February 8. She noted the City has doubled the amount of food that was being distributed in the last month. She thanked all of the volunteers that made these events possible. Council Member Smith reported the Festival in the Park Committee would meet next on Tuesday, February 10 at the Community Center at 6:30 p.m. where Easter eggs will be stuffed for the City sponsored Easter egg hunt that will be held at City Hall Park on Saturday, April 4. Council Member Smith explained she would be attending a Collection Action Meeting on Thursday, February 12. Council Member Smith indicated she would be attending a meet-and-greet event with State legislators on Thursday, February 12. Council Member Smith reported she would be attending an Anoka County Aviation meeting on Thursday, February 19. Council Member Smith stated on Saturday, January 31 the Ramsey County Dive Team helped with the Special Olympics polar plunge in White Bear Lake. Council Member Smith commented on the friendly national dive team the Ramsey County Dive Team would be participating in. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Smith explained on Sunday, February 1 she was honored to help certify 28 new snowmobile riders. Council Member Smith indicated last Friday and Saturday she appreciated attending the continuation education through the League of Minnesota Cities. Council Member Gunn invited the public to attend the bingo event at the Community Center on Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Gunn invited the public to participate in the polar plunge on Saturday, February 28. Council Member Gunn reported the second annual fashion show would be held on Tuesday, March 3 at the Community Center at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Gunn stated the St. Patrick’s Celebration would be held at the Community Center on Friday, March 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause explained he received an email from Marketing Director Lisa Berkus noting the Twin Cities Gateway Bureau has been selected as a finalist for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign. Mayor Lindstrom reported he had a wonderful time attending the Daddy Daughter Dance. Mayor Lindstrom stated he attended a governance meeting for the Clemency Review Board on Friday, February 6. Mayor Lindstrom commented Presidents Day would be observed on Monday, February 16. Mayor Lindstrom noted he would be attending several round table meetings to discuss what was occurring in the community. Mayor Lindstrom explained he attended a joint meeting with the school board with Council Member Gunn. He noted the group discussed the number of students that were missing school at this time and how this is impacting the school district. Mayor Lindstrom apologized for not attending the City Council meetings last week, noting he was ill and unable to attend. He indicated that he supported the Council hold a further discussion on what type of regulations or ordinances could be put in place when it comes to immigration enforcement officers. He understood the City could pass an ordinance that would restrict ICE from staging on City property. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported the City’s audit would begin next week. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 Police Chief Zender explained the Daddy Daughter Dance was a wonderful event for the community and there was a really good turnout. He indicated he was working on his year end report and stated Tubman would be attending the next City Council meeting. He noted the polar plunge would be held at Lakeside Park in Blaine on Saturday, February 28. He reported the department was undergoing its BCA audit at this time for body worn cameras. City Administrator Zikmund provided the Council with a handout regarding the options available to the City Council regarding ICE regulations. He noted the City had participated in the amicus brief. He reported the City Council could opt to join the Coalition for Safe and Stable Communities noting the fee to join this group was $2,500. He reviewed what actions other communities were taking in the metro area and requested the Council provide staff with direction on how to proceed. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if the Council supported joining the Safe and Stable Communities Coalition. He noted he would be supportive of this action. Council Member Gunn agreed noting there was strength in numbers and there was a commonality among this group. The consensus of the Council was to support the City joining the Safe and Stable Communities Coalition. Council Member Gunn stated she would like to see the City passing a resolution that would prohibit ICE in public spaces. Council Member Clark supported the City taking this action as well. She discussed how Minnesota State Statute 412.221 and 412.231 municipalities have been granted the power to enact ordinances for the protection of public health and to regulate conduct within public spaces and on City property consistent with State and federal law. Mayor Lindstrom supported the City passing a resolution to this effect. Council Member Smith asked what City properties would be impacted by this action. City Administrator Zikmund reported all City properties would be impacted, including the well houses, community center, parks and city hall campus. Council Member Smith stated if ICE were to gather on one of these properties the Mounds View Police Department was to ask them to move along. Mayor Lindstrom reported this was the case. Council Member Smith inquired if this resolution would just apply to ICE or would this apply to all federal law enforcement agencies. She was of the opinion this type of resolution would be very difficult for the police department to enforce. Council Member Meehlhause was in agreement. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mayor Lindstrom stated this would simply be an anti-staging ordinance. He explained he wanted the City’s properties throughout the community to remain a safe place for the residents of Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause suggested the ordinance be scaled back to address the value of Mounds View residents and to address city-owned properties. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to bring back an anti-staging ordinance. Council Member Clark recommended the City Council do a proclamation for these actions as well. Mayor Lindstrom supported this action as well. He asked if the City Council wanted to send a letter to the governor and federal legislators. Council Member Smith was of the opinion this would be addressed by the coalition. Council Member Clark believed there was more the City could do to support its minority residents. She proposed that the City pass a complimentary civil rights and non-discrimination ordinance to reinforce existing laws that support the City’s ongoing effort to discharge racial covenants from property deeds and formalize the City’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal protection for all residents. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he supported the Council further discussing this ordinance before taking action. He explained this topic may be better addressed through a proclamation. Council Member Gunn agreed. Council Member Smith noted a civil rights proclamation was passed by the City in 1965. Police Chief Zender explained he was against an ordinance for a variety of reasons. He noted in speaking with the border czar he understood they were winding down and agents would be getting body cameras. He understood other communities have passed anti-staging ordinances and there was push back from residents because this ordinance was not being enforced. He stated he did not want there to be conflict created between residents and the Mounds View Police Department because of the proposed ordinance. He discussed how POST certified police officers were mandated to treat people with equity and respect. While he understood the need to do something, he explained there were a lot of federal agencies in the community at this time. He wanted to be clear that the Mounds View Police Department was already following these policies, and he feared what the unintended consequences would be from the proposed proclamations and/or ordinances. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial